In our modern age of “better living through chemistry,” we tend to fall into the habit of just popping a pill when we experience pain. But through thousands of years of holistic medicine, people were relieving pain with purposeful eating and non-invasive practices. In most cases, natural treatment has little to no side effects.
Sometimes it’s better to do something than to take something. The following 7 natural pain relief techniques are all worth trying before you resort to medication because they can really work. And when you attempt natural healing first, you get a sense of the severity of your condition. If nothing but pills work, it’s important to check in with your doctor to determine whether something serious is going on.
But for run-of-the-mill aches and pains, a natural technique could very well do the trick. Try out these 7 time-worn strategies for feeling your best. Technique #7 is actually closely related to a well-known OTC analgesic!
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture has featured in traditional Chinese medicine for 2,000 years and is now practiced all over the world. The process involves inserting very thin needles into specific parts of the body. The holistic explanation for why it relieves pain is that it balances your chi. Western doctors believe that acupuncture works because it stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. At least they agree that it works!
If you are interested in trying acupuncture for nagging pain, be sure to choose an experienced practitioner. Know that the law requires that new needles are used with every patient. For the most part, the side effects of acupuncture are minimal, but it is possible that you’ll experience a bit of soreness or light bruising at some insertion points. Pregnant women and people with a bleeding disorder should not get acupuncture.
2. Epsom Salt
If your pain is the result of a muscle strain, arthritis, bumps and bruises, or a skin abrasion, Epsom salt can be your best friend. Taking the time to soak in a warm Epsom bath both relieves pain and improves mental wellbeing. The benefits of mindfulness and meditation – which comes easily while soaking in a bath – cannot be ignored.
On the science side, Epsom salt works to relieve pain because it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate when dissolved. Magnesium is known to play a role in the way that pain signals travel from your brain throughout your body. It additionally regulates muscle contractions and relieves symptoms of depression. An Epsom soak delivers these benefits right to your painful areas.
3. Massage
Sometimes pain results from tensed muscles that also pull other parts of your body out of whack. Chronic inflammation can also linger around stiff joints and the site of any injuries; this reduces blood flow and causes pain. Massage can loosen tense muscles, relax stiff joints, and increase your blood flow.
For that reason, massage is increasingly recommended by doctors as a complement to medicine. Not only can massage improve physical symptoms that cause discomfort, but it is also helpful for managing anxiety and depression. Some people even report a decreased frequency of migraine headaches when they receive regular massages. Be sure to choose a massage therapist with whom you feel comfortable; it is important to speak up if the pressure is too intense for you.
4. Cloves
Clove is a sweet and spicy herb that can be used to relieve many kinds of pain. In fact, the active compound in cloves, called eugenol, is used in lots of OTC ointments sold for pain relief. Clove oil is an effective topical remedy for pain caused by headaches, inflammation, and toothaches. But clove can also be taken internally – you’ll find it whole and powdered as well as in oil.
Note that too much clove oil can damage your skin if you use it for days on end. It is also not recommended for people who take blood thinners. But for headaches or sore muscles, clove is an excellent natural painkiller.
5. Comfrey Extract
Another natural treatment you can try is comfrey root cream. A recent study on people with back pain shows that it can significantly reduce suffering when applied topically. Almost 95% of participants reported that they felt better after using it. Further studies in people with arthritis and with ankle sprains had consistent findings.
Science’s best guess as to why comfrey works to relieve pain is the allantoin and rosmarinic acid content. Researchers have determined that rosmarinic acid reduces inflammation and soothes pain, but allantoin can help by speeding up the growth of new skin cells. Comfrey is to be used externally only; there is some concern that it may be carcinogenic when eaten, but more studies are necessary.
6. Heat and Ice
The use of heat and ice to relieve pain is an age old technique that is still used because it works. Going through the process of alternating heat and ice is an important first step to treating pain. But to get the best results, you need to observe the correct order of application.
It is important to start with ice applied to the site of your pain, with a towel or cloth between the cold source and your skin to prevent ice burn. Cold reduces inflammation and numbs pain. Ice the area for up to 30 minutes and then let your skin return to normal temperature. Then, apply heat with a heating pad. The heat will relax any muscles that have contracted around the sore spot and relieve stiffness.
7. Willow Bark
If you’re clear that you need something stronger to bust through your pain, try willow bark. It contains a compound called salicin that is closely related to acetylsalicylic acid, which you probably know as aspirin. Long before aspirin was designed and produced in a lab, people chewed willow bark to manage pain, fevers, and inflammation. Today, you can find dried willow bark for brewing a pain-relieving tea. Even easier, though perhaps less soothing, is to take a liquid or capsule supplement.
Even though willow bark is natural, it can cause the same side effects as aspirin. If you use it every day, you may develop a bleeding disorder, slow your kidney function, or get an upset stomach. Willow bark is not safe for children because it is difficult to achieve the right dose for them. Avoid willow bark if you take warfarin or another anticoagulant medication.
Conclusion
If you have avoided trying natural pain relieving techniques because you feel that they couldn’t possibly work, remember that everything on our list has been done by humans for centuries with great success. It is always worthwhile to try the least invasive treatment first, before resorting to medication.
Your risk of side effects is much lower, and you may ultimately be able to get by with a lot less of the hard stuff. That’s a win all around for your body, your mind, and your wallet.